Tsukiji Market: Something's Fishy in Tokyo

Hahaha...ooohhh... clever word choice.

Tsukiji Ichiba in Tokyo is the largest Fish Market in the world. That shouldn't be a surprise considering its in the nation brought us sushi. Every morning before dawn, thousands of fish and sea critters from all corners of the globe (yes, it has corners) are brought to dock in Tokyo to be auctioned, filleted, sold, and shipped out to sushi restaurants all over Japan.

With that in mind, I'd say the most amazing thing about the market is how little it reeks of fish smells. I know, I'm easily impressed. That and Japan has fostered a love of sterility in me.

As most of you know, I'm quite the morning person, so I wasn't bothered in the least bit by getting up at 5am to be bounced like a pinball amongst the racing carts, trucks, and auctioneers before most Tokyo businessmen even go to work (Note for my special readers: I like mornings about as much as I liked Vanilla Sky)

The early hours of the market were worth dealing with to see sites like enormous tunas being inspected and rated before auctions, as if for the Tuna Draft, butchers knocking fresh fish on the head with the blunt side of sword-proportioned knives to get them to hold still, and eating maybe the freshest (and most expensive) sushi I'll ever get to try.

Check out my pics from the market.